Disinfectant composition

ABSTRACT

A disinfectant composition is made with three essential active ingredients comprising (1) a quaternary ammonium compound, (2) a phenol or a derivative thereof, and (3) formaldehyde. The composition provides enhanced disinfecting efficacy of a synergistic nature, since the composition is more inhibitory and/or lethal to a greater variety of bacteria than is any one of its components or the sum of the separate effects of its components.

This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.581,728, filed May 29, 1975, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,911,which was a continuation of application Ser. No. 287,770, filed Sept.11, 1972, now abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of ourapplication Ser. No. 94,538, filed Dec. 2, 1970, now abandoned, which inturn was a continuation-in-part of our application Ser. No. 663,552,filed Aug. 28, 1967, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to a disinfectant composition having particularutility and value when used in poultry and animal husbandry, but alsohaving broader applications as well.

The use of disinfectants in poultry and animal husbandry is virtuallyessential for carrying on profitable operations. In this industry thereare several important yardsticks by which the value of any particulardisinfectant is generally assessed. One of these is the range ofvirulent microorganisms against which the disinfectant is effective.This is important because the greater the range of effectiveness, themore versatile and reliable is the disinfectant for destroying themultitude of harmful microorganism species which are commonlyencountered in poultry and animal husbandry. Another importantconsideration is the capability of the disinfectant to remain effectiveas its use level concentration is decreased. This is largely an economicconsideration but nevertheless highly important, since the less of thedisinfectant that can be effectively used, the lower will be the cost ofcarrying out the disinfecting process.

The present invention provides a new disinfectant composition which hasunprecedented value in poultry and animal husbandry when measured by theyardsticks described above. First of all, the composition has anexceptionally broad range of effectiveness against many differentspecies of virulent microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses,worm eggs and coccidial oocysts. More specifically, the disinfectantcomposition of the invention has been demonstrated to effectivelydestroy Salmonella group, Pasteurella group, Brucella group,Staphylococci, Streptococci, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Micrococci,Listerella group, Arizona paracolon, Escherichia coli, Vibrio group,Aspergillus sp., Penicillin sp., Monilia sp., Cocoidial oocysts,Ascaridia galli eggs, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis,Fowl pox, Laryngotracheitis, Avian encephalitis and Leukosis. Thus, theversatility of the new disinfectant composition is very great, wherebythe composition may be used as a single substitute for two or moreconventional disinfectants that have been heretofore necessary to combatmore than one of the above-specified microorganisms.

In addition to its broad range of effectiveness, the new disinfectantcomposition has greater destructive power than does any one of itscomponents or the sum of the separate effects of its components. Inother words, the components of the composition interact synergistically,in some unexplainable manner, to give a disinfecting effect beyond thatwould be expected by measuring the separate effect of each component andadding the results up. This attribute of the composition has beendemonstrated by laboratory tests with several of the microorganismspecies named above and was entirely surprising and unexpected.Furthermore, the synergistically superior disinfecting capability of thecomposition means that it may be effectively used at very highdilutions, or conversely low levels of concentration, to providesubstantial cost-of-material savings to the user. This advantagecombined with its versatility makes the composition extremely valuableas an all-around, general purpose disinfectant for use in poultry andanimal husbandry. However, the composition may also be used to advantagein other applications, such as in hospitals, kitchens, comfort stations,laboratories, and other locations which have hygienic requirements.

As previously mentioned, the disinfectant composition of the inventioncontains three essential active ingredients, viz., a dimethyl quaternaryammonium halogen salt; a phenol or a derivative thereof; andformaldehyde.

The first ingredient is a dimethyl quaternary ammonium halogen salt andis represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: X is bromine,chlorine or iodine,

A₁ is an alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or aroyl radical, and

A₂ is an alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or aroyl radical. It will be understoodthat there could be combined water in many of the compounds and that theabove formula includes these compounds with combined water.

Suitable dimethyl quaternary ammonium halogen salts include benzalkoniumand benzethonium halides, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium halides,alkyldimethyl(dimethylbenzyl)ammonium halides,benzyldimethylphenylammonium halides, dialkyldimethylammonium halides,alkyltrimethylammonium halides, alkylbenzyltrimethonium halides andxylylene analogs thereof. Benzalkonium halide is alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium halide in which the alkyl group varies from eight to eighteencarbon atoms, and benzethonium halide is diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyldimethyl benzyl ammonium halide. Both of these materials are availablecommercially, usually as the chloride, under various tradenames such asZephirol, BTC, Roccal, Phemeride, Quatrachlor, Solamine and others. Anyof these commercially available benzalkonium or benzethonium chloridesalts, as well as the bromide and iodide salts, may be used as one ofthe essential ingredients of the disinfectant composition of theinvention. A typical alkylbenzyltrimethonium halide is methyldodecylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride having the followingstructural formula: ##STR2## An example of a xylylene analog of analkylbenzyltrimethonium halide is methyl dodecylxylylene bis (trimethylammonium chloride) which has the following structural formula: ##STR3##Good results have been obtained with a mixture of these compounds, whichis commercially available from Rohm & Haas under the tradename Hyamine2389. Of all the quaternary ammonium salts, best results have beenobtained with benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride.

The second ingredient of the composition is a phenol or a substitutedderivative thereof. The derivative may contain one or more arylaliphatic or halogen radicals. The second ingredient is represented bythe following formula: ##STR4## wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, a halogen, anitro group, an amino group, an alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or aroyl grouphaving no more than about seven carbon atoms,

R₂ is hydrogen, a halogen, a nitro group, an amino group, an alkyl,alkoxy, aryl or aroyl group having no more than about seven carbonatoms, and

R₃ is hydrogen, a halogen, a nitro group, an amino group, an alkyl,alkoxy, aryl or aroyl group having no more than about seven carbonatoms.

In the preferred embodiment, the second ingredient of the composition isa phenol or a halogen and/or hydrocarbon substituted derivative thereofwherein there are no more than two substitutions on the benzene ring andwherein the hydrocarbon has from one to seven carbon atoms. Thisembodiment of the second ingredient is represented by the followingformula: ##STR5## wherein: R₁ is hydrogen or a halogen or an alkyl grouphaving from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms, and

R₂ is hydrogen or a halogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 7carbon atoms.

Excellent results have been obtained with a cresol or an alkylderivative thereof having from one to seven carbon atoms. Thecomposition is defined by the following formula: ##STR6## in which R ishydrogen atom or a branched or straight chain alkyl group having fromone to seven carbon atoms. Of the various compounds defined by the aboveformula, best results have been achieved with2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol in combination with benzalkonium halide andpara-cresol in combination with benzethonium halide. Accordingly, theuse of these particular compounds is recommended for the maximumbenefits in terms of range and power of disinfecting effectiveness.

As to the third ingredient of the composition, which is formaldehyde,this may be used in the form of the commercially available aqueoussolutions (Formalin) or in the solid form, paraformaldehyde, usuallydepending on whether the composition is made as a liquid or solidproduct.

In preparing the novel disinfecting composition of the invention, thebest results have been achieved when the three essential ingredients arecontrolled within the relative proportions expressed in parts by weightof about 1 to about 20 parts of the quaternary ammonium salt, about 1 toabout 20 parts of the phenol or derivative thereof and about 10 to about150 parts of formaldehyde. In particular, the synergistic quality of thedisinfectant composition will invariably be achieved when theproportions of the three essential ingredients are maintained within thestated ranges. Therefore, for best results, it is again recommended thatthe composition be made according to these relative proportions.

Where the composition is to be made as a liquid product, the threeessential ingredients may be conveniently dissolved in water or in waterwith admixed low molecular weight alcohols such as methanol and ethanol.It is also convenient to make the liquid product in the form of aconcentrated solution in which the total amount of the three essentialingredients constitutes from about 6% to about 50% of the weight of thesolution. This concentrated solution may be packaged and shipped atrelatively low cost and then diluted by the addition of water by theuser to whatever lower concentration is necessary to carry out thedesired disinfecting process.

The disinfecting composition may also be made in the form of a solidproduct by using paraformaldehyde and those of the cresol compoundswhich are solid at ambient temperature, e.g., para-cresol. In preparinga solid product it is highly desirable to include inorganic salts whichwill help to solubilize the paraformaldehyde and solid cresol compoundwhen the solid product is combined with water for actual use. In thisconnection, excellent results have been achieved with trisodiumphosphate as an added inorganic salt which assists solubilization.However, other salts may also be used including mono and dihydrogensodium phosphates, sodium bisulfate, sodium bicarbonate, sodiumcarbonate and sodium pyrophosphate.

In preparing a solid product, the total amount of the three essentialingredients may constitute from about 6% to about 65% of the weight ofthe total product, the balance being one or more of the inorganic saltsmentioned above. The solid product may be dissolved in water or waterplus the previously-mentioned organic alcohols at whatever concentrationis necessary for carrying out the desired disinfecting process. In boththe liquid and solid product, the relative proportions of the threeessential ingredients should be controlled for best results with theranges previously specified, in both the prepared form and in thediluted form of actual use. Of course, if the prepared product iscontrolled within the specified relative proportions, then those sameproportions will be maintained no matter how much the prepared productis diluted for actual use.

Further details of the invention will be readily understood inconnection with the following examples which constitute specificembodiments thereof and in which all proportions are expressed on thebasis of weight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1

A disinfectant composition was made by admixing benzalkonium chloride,2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and formaldehyde in the relative proportionsof 2 parts benzalkonium chloride, 2.5 parts of2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 25 parts of formaldehyde solution (37%formaldehyde, 12% methanol, 51% water). The composition was dissolved in70.5 parts of a mixture of ethyl alcohol and methyl alcohol in theproportion of 1 part of methyl alcohol to 3 parts of ethyl alcohol togive a concentrated solution which when diluted with water in the ratioof 1:100 gave a solution having 200 ppm of the benzalkonium chloride,250 ppm of the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 2500 ppm of theformaldehyde. The efficacy of the composition at this dilution level andat further dilutions in the ratios of 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:4000, 1:8000,and 1:16000, to inhibit the growth of and to kill Staphylococcus aureauswas measured according to the standard laboratory test described byKolmer and Boerner in Approved Laboratory Technic, Fourth Edition,published by D. Appleton-Century Company, Incorporated. Likewise, eachof the separate components of the composition, at the same dilutions andby the same test, was separately tested to measure the efficacy of eachcomponent alone to arrest the growth of and to kill the same specie ofbacteria.

The results of these tests are given in the table below, the columnlabeled Inhibitory giving the maximum dilution at which the materialunder test could arrest the growth of the bacteria and the columnlabeled Lethal giving the maximum dilutions at which the material undertest could kill the bacteria.

    ______________________________________                                                         Staphylococcus aureaus                                       Material Tested    Inhibitory  Lethal                                         ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                         alone              1:2000      1:1000                                         2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                         phenol alone       1:1000      1:1000                                         Formaldehyde alone 1:4000      1:4000                                         Above three combined                                                                             1:16000     1:16000                                        ______________________________________                                    

As will be noted from the foregoing results, the combination of thethree essential ingredients in accordance with the present invention wasmore inhibitory and more lethal to the bacteria than was any one of thecomponents alone or the sum of the separate effects of each component.Thus, normally one would expect that the combination of the threeingredients would give an effect approximately equal to the algebraicsum of the separate effects measured in the test. However, this was notthe case and the effect of the combination of the ingredients exceededthe best performance given by the best component alone. Thus, thedisinfectant composition of three essential ingredients made accordingto the invention was surprisingly and unexpectedly superior, and thisresult could not be explained except for synergism.

EXAMPLE 2

Example 1 was repeated with a specie of fungi, Candida albicans, and themeasured results are given in the table below:

    ______________________________________                                                         Candida albicans                                             Material Tested    Inhibitory Lethal                                          ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                         alone              1:100      1:100                                           2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                         phenol alone       1:100      1:100                                           Formaldehyde alone 1:100      1:100                                           Above three combined                                                                             1:4000     1:1000                                          ______________________________________                                    

As will be noted, the combination of the three essential ingredientsmade in accordance with the invention was again more inhibitory and morelethal than was the best of its separate components. Again, this resultcould not be explained except for synergism.

EXAMPLE 3

Example 1 was again repeated with another specie of fungi, Aspergillusfumigatus, and the measured results are given in the table below:

    ______________________________________                                                         Aspergillus fumigatus                                        Material Tested    Inhibitory  Lethal                                         ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                         alone              --          --                                             2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                         phenol alone       1:1000      --                                             Formaldehyde alone 1:2000      1:2000                                         Above three combined                                                                             1:8000      1:2000                                         ______________________________________                                    

As will be noted, with this specie of fungi, the combination of thethree ingredients was more inhibitory and equally as lethal as the bestof its separate components alone. Thus, once again in the combination ofthe three ingredients was more effective as a disinfectant because ofsynergistic interaction between the ingredients in the combination.

EXAMPLE 4

A solid disinfectant composition was made in accordance with theinvention by combining 20 parts of benzethonium chloride, 25 parts ofpara-cresol and 275 parts of paraformaldehyde as the essential activeingredients, and 180 parts of a trisodium phosphate were included as asolubilization aid.

This 500 gram quality of the composition, when dissolved in 100 litersof water, provided concentrations of the three essential ingredientsequivalent to the concentrations of the 1:100 dilution specified inExamples 1-3 above. The dissolved product was an extremely effectivedisinfectant against many of the microorganism species mentioned at thebeginning of this specification, to a degree equivalent to thesynergistic superiority exhibited in the tests of Examples 1-3.

EXAMPLE 4A

Example 4 was repeated except that no solubilization aid was employed.The combination was considerably more difficult to dissolve than thecombination with the solubilization aid.

When the product was finally dissolved at the 1:100 dilution specifiedin Examples 1-3, the product was found to act synergistically to thesame degree as the composition of Example 4.

EXAMPLE 5

A disinfectant composition was made by admixing 2 g. benzalkoniumchloride (50%), 1 g. 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol, and 400 g.formaldehyde (37%) which may be stated in relative proportions as 1 partbenzalkonium chloride, 1 part 2-isopropyl5-methyl-phenol and 150 partsof formaldehyde. The composition was placed in a 500 ml. volumetricflask and diluted with a quantum sufficit of denatured ethanol. Thedissolved mixture was then diluted with water to yield a compositionhaving 10 ppm benzalkonium chloride, 10 ppm 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoland 1500 ppm formaldehyde. In like manner, each of the separatecomponents of the composition was prepared, but at double the strengthof the combination of ingredients.

1 cc. of each solution was pipetted into a screw cap tube. To each tubewas added 1 cc. of 24 hour broth culture of salmonella pullorum adjustedto a 10⁻³ of 1 × MacFarland No. 1 with sterile saline. Each tube wasleft standing at room temperature for 5 minutes and then 0.1 ml. of themixture was admixed with 9.9 ml. of tryptose broth. 0.1 ml. of thismixture in the tryptose broth tube was transferred to a plate with abrainheart infusion agar and the plate was incubated at 37° C. for 4days. Each plate was then analyzed to determine whether or not growth ofbacteria was inhibited. The results of the test are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           20 ppm.   No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     20 ppm.   No                                                Formaldehyde      3000 ppm. No                                                Above 3 combined at one-half                                                  strength                                                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                         10 ppm.                                                       2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                           phenol        10 ppm.   Yes                                                 Formaldehyde    1500 ppm.                                                   ______________________________________                                    

As can be seen from the chart above none of the individual componentsinhibited growth but yet the combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum eventhough it was at one half the strength of each of the materials testedalone. This is completely unexpected and surprising and cannot beexplained except for the synergism of the 3 ingredients when used incombination.

EXAMPLE 6

The test of Example 5 was repeated with a disinfectant compositioncomprising in relative proportions 20 parts benzalkonium chloride, 1part 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 150 parts formaldehyde. The resultsof the test are given in the chart below.

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           400 ppm.  No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     20 ppm.   No                                                Formaldehyde      3000 ppm. No                                                Above 3 combined at one-half                                                  strength                                                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                         200 ppm.                                                      2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                           phenol        10 ppm.   Yes                                                 Formaldehyde    1500 ppm.                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Again none of the ingredients was sufficient by itself to inhibit growthbut yet the combination of the 3 ingredients inhibited growth eventhough it was used at one half the strength of the individualingredients and this surprising result must be attributed to synergism.

EXAMPLE 7

The test of Example 5 was repeated with the disinfectant compositioncomprising in relative proportions 1 part benzalkonium chloride, 20parts 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 150 parts formaldehyde. Theresults of the test are given in the chart below.

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           20 ppm.   No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     400 ppm.  No                                                Formaldehyde      3000 ppm. No                                                Above 3 combined at one half                                                  strength                                                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                         10 ppm.                                                       2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                           phenol        200 ppm.  Yes                                                 Formaldehyde    1500 ppm.                                                   ______________________________________                                    

As in the previous examples the individual ingredients would not inhibitgrowth but yet the synergistically acting combination of all 3ingredients inhibited growth even though it was used at one half thestrength of the individual ingredients.

EXAMPLE 8

The testing procedure of Example 5 was used on a disinfectantcomposition comprising in relative proportions 20 parts benzalkoniumchloride, 20 parts 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol and 20 parts formaldehyde.The results of these tests are summarized in the chart below.

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           400 ppm.  No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     400 ppm.  No                                                Formaldehyde      200 ppm.  No                                                Above 3 combined at one half                                                  strength                                                                       Benzalkonium chloride                                                                          200 ppm.                                                     2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                    200 ppm.  Yes                                                Formaldehyde     100 ppm.                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Once again the combination of ingredients work synergistically toinhibit growth whereas none of the individual ingredients inhibitedgrowth even though the individual ingredients were used at twice thestrength of the combination of ingredients.

EXAMPLE 9

The test of Example 5 was repeated on a disinfectant composition havingin relative proportions 1 part benzalkonium chloride, 20 parts2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 10 parts formaldehyde. The results ofthese tests are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           20 ppm.   No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     400 ppm.  No                                                Formaldehyde      200 ppm.  No                                                Above 3 combined at one half                                                  strength                                                                       Benzalkonium chloride                                                                          10 ppm.                                                      2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                          phenol          200 ppm.  Yes                                                Formaldehyde     100 ppm.                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The synergistically acting combination of the 3 ingredients at one halfthe strength of the individual ingredients gave the surprising result ofinhibiting growth whereas the individual ingredients would not inhibitthe growth and this inhibition of growth by the combination can only beexplained by the 3 ingredients working synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 10

Example 5 was repeated with a disinfectant composition comprising inrelative proportions 20 parts benzalkonium chloride, 1 part2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 10 parts formaldehyde. The test resultsare given below:

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           400 ppm.  No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     20 ppm.   No                                                Formaldehyde      200 ppm.  No                                                Above 3 combined at one half                                                  strength                                                                       Benzalkonium chloride                                                                          200 ppm.                                                     2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                          phenol          10 ppm.   Yes                                                Formaldehyde     100 ppm.                                                    ______________________________________                                    

As in previous examples the combination of ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth whereas the individual ingredientseven at twice the strength of the combination would not inhibit growth.

EXAMPLE 11

The test of Example 5 was repeated with a disinfectant compositioncomprising 1 part benzalkonium chloride, 11/4 parts2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol and 121/2 part formaldehyde. The results ofthe test are given below.

    ______________________________________                                        Material Tested   Dilution  Growth Inhibited                                  ______________________________________                                        Benzalkonium chloride                                                                           200 ppm.  No                                                2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol                                                                     250 ppm.  No                                                Formaldehyde      2500 ppm. No                                                Above 3 combined at one half                                                  strength                                                                       Benzalkonium chloride                                                                          100 ppm.                                                     2-isopropyl-5-methyl-                                                          phenol          125 ppm.  Yes                                                Formaldehyde     1250 ppm.                                                   ______________________________________                                    

As can be seen from the chart the individual ingredients did not inhibitgrowth of the bacteria but yet the synergistically acting combination ofthe 3 ingredients at one half the strength of the individual ingredientsgave the surprising results of inhibiting growth of salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLES 12-103

In each of the following examples, Example 11 was repeated and theeffectiveness of the material being substituted was tested according tothe procedure of Example 5. The substituted compound was tested at thesame dilution as the compound it replaced both individually and in thecombination of ingredients. In each example the substituted compoundtested individually according to the method of Example 5 did not inhibitgrowth whereas the combination of the three ingredients including thesubstituted compound did inhibit growth even though they were used atone-half strength.

EXAMPLE 12

Example 11 was repeated with benzethonium chloride substituted for thebenzalkonium chloride. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 13

The test of Example 11 was repeated with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromidesubstituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The combination when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically in that itinhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 14

Example 11 was repeated with myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide used inplace of the benzalkonium chloride. The combination of the 3 ingredientsacted synergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when testedaccording to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 15

Example 11 was repeated with 6-tertiary-butyl-meta-cresol substitutedfor the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3ingredients when tested according to the procedure of Example 5 actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 16

Example 11 was repeated with para-tertiary-amyl-phenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients wastested as a disinfectant composition according to the procedure ofExample 5 and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonellapullorum.

EXAMPLE 17

Example 11 was repeated with ortho-cresol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 18

Example 11 was repeated with para-cresol being substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 19

Example 11 was repeated with 2-bromo-4-tert butylphenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according tothe procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explained by thecombination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 20

The test of Example 11 was repeated with m-bromophenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination when tested accordingto the method of Example 5 acted synergistically in that it inhibitedgrowth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 21

Example 11 was repeated with p-bromophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 22

Example 11 was repeated with o-bromophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients whentested according to the procedure of Example 5 acted synergistically toinhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 23

Example 11 was repeated with 6-tert-butyl-m-cresol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 24

Example 11 was repeated with o-tert-butylphenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 25

Example 11 was repeated with p-sec-butylphenol being substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 26

Example 11 was repeated with p-tert-butylphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 27

The test of Example 11 was repeated with 4-chloro-3-methylphenolsubstituted for the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination whentested according to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically inthat it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 28

Example 11 was repeated with 4-chloro-2-methylphenol used in place ofthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredientsacted synergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when testedaccording to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 29

Example 11 was repeated with m-chlorophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients whentested according to the procedure of Example 5 acted synergistically toinhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 30

Example 11 was repeated with o-chlorophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 31

Example 11 was repeated with p-chlorophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 32

Example 11 was repeated with m-cresol being substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 33

Example 11 was repeated with 4,6-dibromo-o-cresol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 34

The test of Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-dibromo-p-cresolsubstituted for the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination whentested according to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically inthat it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 35

Example 11 was repeated with 2,4-dibromophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 36

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-dibromophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients whentested according to the procedure of Example 5 acted synergistically toinhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 37

Example 11 was repeated with 2,4-dichlorophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 38

Example 11 was repeated with 2,5-dichlorophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 39

Example 11 was repeated with 2-4-dimethylphenol being substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 40

Example 11 was repeated with 2,5-dimethylphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 41

The test of Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-dimethylphenol substitutedfor the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically in that itinhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 42

Example 11 was repeated with 3,4-dimethylphenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 43

Example 11 was repeated with 3,5-dimethylphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients whentested according to the procedure of Example 5 acted synergistically toinhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 44

Example 11 was repeated with 2,4-di-tert-pentylphenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients wastested as a disinfectant composition according to the procedure ofExample 5 and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonellapullorum.

EXAMPLE 45

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-di-iso-propylphenol used in place ofthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients whentested according to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the3 ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 46

Example 11 was repeated with o-ethylphenol being substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 47

Example 11 was repeated with p-ethylphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 48

The test of Example 11 was repeated with p-fluorophenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination when tested accordingto the method of Example 5 acted synergistically in that it inhibitedgrowth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 49

Example 11 was repeated with m-iodophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 50

Example 11 was repeated with o-iodophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients whentested according to the procedure of Example 5 acted synergistically toinhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 51

Example 11 was repeated with p-iodophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 52

Example 11 was repeated with p-pentylphenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 53

Example 11 was repeated with p-tert-pentylphenol being substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 54

Example 11 was repeated with phenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 55

Example 11 was repeated with methyl dodecylbenzyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride substituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The material wastested according to the procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth ofthe salmonella pullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explainedby the combination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 56

The test of Example 11 was repeated with methyl dodecylxylylene bis(trimethyl ammonium chloride) substituted for the benzalkonium chloride.The combination when tested according to the method of Example 5 actedsynergistically in that it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 57

Example 11 was repeated with methyl dodecylbenzyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride and methyl dodecylxylylene bis (trimethyl ammonium chloride)substituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The combination of the 3ingredients when tested according to the procedure of Example 5 actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 58

Example 11 was repeated with hexyl benzyltrimethyl ammonium bromidesubstituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The combination ofingredients was tested as a disinfectant composition according to theprocedure of Example 5 and acted synergistically to inhibit growth ofthe salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 59

Example 11 was repeated with ethyl decyl benzyltrimethyl ammoniumchloride used in place of the benzalkonium chloride. The combination ofingredients when tested according to the method of Example 5 inhibitedgrowth of the salmonella pullorum and this can only be explained on thebasis that the 3 ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 60

Example 11 was repeated with octyl benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloridebeing substituted for the benzalkonium chloride. When tested accordingto the method of Example 5 the combination of ingredients inhibitedgrowth of the bacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3ingredients acting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 61

Example 11 was repeated with methyl benzyltrimethyl ammonium iodidesubstituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The material was testedaccording to the procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explained bythe combination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 62

The test of Example 11 was repeated with butyl xylylene bis (trimethylammonium chloride). The combination when tested according to the methodof Example 5 acted synergistically in that it inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 63

Example 11 was repeated with diethyl xylylene bis (trimethyl ammoniumchloride) used in place of the benzalkonium chloride. The combination ofthe 3 ingredients acted synergistically to inhibit growth of thebacteria when tested according to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 64

Example 11 was repeated with propyl octyl xylylene bis (trimethylammonium chloride) substituted for the benzalkonium chloride. Thecombination of the 3 ingredients when tested according to the procedureof Example 5 acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 65

Example 11 was repeated with benzyldimethylphenylammonium chloridesubstituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The material was testedaccording to the procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explained bythe combination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 66

The test of Example 11 was repeated withbenzyldimethyl-{2-[2-(m-methyl-p-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}ammonium chloride monohydrate substituted for the benzalkoniumchloride. The combination when tested according to the method of Example5 acted synergistically in that it inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum.

EXAMPLE 67

Example 11 was repeated with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride used inplace of the benzalkonium chloride. The combination of the 3 ingredientsacted synergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when testedaccording to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 68

Example 11 was repeated with octadecyltrimethylammonium chloridesubstituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The material was testedaccording to the procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explained bythe combination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 69

The test of Example 11 was repeated with(2-acetoxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride substituted for thebenzalkonium chloride. The combination when tested according to themethod of Example 5 acted synergistically in that it inhibited growth ofthe salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 70

Example 11 was repeated with (2-carbamoyloxyethyl) trimethylammoniumchloride used in place of the benzalkonium chloride. The combination ofthe 3 ingredients acted synergistically to inhibit growth of thebacteria when tested according to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 71

Example 11 was repeated with 1-benzyl-3-(dimethylcarbamoyloxy)pyridiniumbromide substituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The material wastested according to the procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth ofthe salmonella pullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explainedby the combination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 72

The test of Example 11 was repeated with furfuryltrimethylammoniumiodide substituted for the benzalkonium chloride. The combination whentested according to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically inthat it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 73

Example 11 was repeated with [m-(dimethylcarbamoyloxy)-phenyl]trimethylammonium bromide used in place of the benzalkonium chloride.The combination of the 3 ingredients acted synergistically to inhibitgrowth of the bacteria when tested according to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 74

Example 11 was repeated with p-(benzyloxy) phenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 75

Example 11 was repeated with 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according tothe procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explained by thecombination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 76

The test of Example 11 was repeated with α bromo-5-nitro-o-cresolsubstituted for the 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol. The combination whentested according to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically inthat it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 77

Example 11 was repeated with p-n-butoxyphenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 78

Example 11 was repeated with 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredientswhen tested according to the procedure of Example 5 actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 79

Example 11 was repeated with 2-chloro-4-phenylphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 80

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol used in place ofthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients whentested according to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the3 ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 81

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol being substitutedfor the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the methodof Example 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 82

Example 11 was repeated with m-ethoxyphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 83

The test of Example 11 was repeated with o-ethoxyphenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination when tested accordingto the method of Example 5 acted synergistically in that it inhibitedgrowth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 84

Example 11 was repeated with p-ethoxyphenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 85

Example 11 was repeated with 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3-ingredientswhen tested according to the procedure of Example 5 actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 86

Example 11 was repeated with m-methoxyphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 87

Example 11 was repeated with p-methoxyphenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 88

Example 11 was repeated with 2-bromo-4-phenylphenol being substitutedfor the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the methodof Example 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 89

Example 11 was repeated with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 90

The test of Example 11 was repeated with 2-chloro-4,6-dinitrophenolsubstituted for the 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol. The combination whentested according to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically inthat it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 91

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol used in place ofthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredientsacted synergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when testedaccording to the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 92

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-dibromo-4-nitrophenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredientswhen tested according to the procedure of Example 5 actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 93

Example 11 was repeated with 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 94

Example 11 was repeated with 2,4-dinitrophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients when testedaccording to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the 3ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 95

Example 11 was repeated with 2-amino-4-chlorophenol being substitutedfor the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the methodof Example 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 96

Example 11 was repeated with 4-amino-2,6-dichlorophenol substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according tothe procedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonellapullorum. This inhibition of growth can only be explained by thecombination of the 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 97

The test of Example 11 was repeated with 2-amino-4-nitrophenolsubstituted for the 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination whentested according to the method of Example 5 acted synergistically inthat it inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 98

Example 11 was repeated with o-aminophenol used in place of the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients actedsynergistically to inhibit growth of the bacteria when tested accordingto the method of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 99

Example 11 was repeated with 2-amino-4-phenylphenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of the 3 ingredients whentested according to the procedure of Example 5 acted synergistically toinhibit growth of the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 100

Example 11 was repeated with p-benzylaminophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients was testedas a disinfectant composition according to the procedure of Example 5and acted synergistically to inhibit growth of the salmonella pullorum.

EXAMPLE 101

Example 11 was repeated with 2,6-dibromo-4-aminophenol used in place ofthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The combination of ingredients whentested according to the method of Example 5 inhibited growth of thesalmonella pullorum and this can only be explained on the basis that the3 ingredients acted synergistically together.

EXAMPLE 102

Example 11 was repeated with m-diethylaminophenol being substituted forthe 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. When tested according to the method ofExample 5 the combination of ingredients inhibited growth of thebacteria and this inhibition of growth is due to the 3 ingredientsacting synergistically in combination.

EXAMPLE 103

Example 11 was repeated with m-dimethylaminophenol substituted for the2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol. The material was tested according to theprocedure of Example 5 and inhibited growth of the salmonella pullorum.This inhibition of growth can only be explained by the combination ofthe 3 ingredients acting synergistically together.

It will be understood that the claims are intended to cover all changesand modifications of the preferred embodiments of the invention, hereinchosen for the purpose of illustration, which do not constitutedepartures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disinfectant composition comprising anadmixture of:(a) from about 10 to about 150 parts formaldehyde; (b) fromabout 1 to about 20 parts of a dimethyl quaternary ammonium halogen salthaving the formula: ##STR7## wherein, X is bromine, chlorine, or iodine,A₁ is alkyl or aryl, and A₂ is alkyl or aryl; and (c) from about 1 toabout 20 parts of an organic compound having the formula: ##STR8##wherein, R₁ is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, or aryl "having no more thanabout seven carbon atoms", R₂ is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, or aryl"having no more than about seven carbon atoms", and R₃ is hydrogen,halogen, alkyl, or aryl"having no more than about seven carbon atoms;and wherein components (a), (b), and (c) act together to produce asynergistic effect".
 2. A disinfectant composition comprising anadmixture of (1) from about 10 to about 150 parts formaldehyde, (2) fromabout 1 to about 20 parts of a quaternary ammonium salt selected fromthe group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, bromide, and iodide,benzethonium, chloride, bromide, and iodide, alkylbenzyltrimethoniumchloride, bromide, and iodide, alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium bromide,chloride, and iodide, alkyldimethyl (dimethylbenzyl) ammonium chloride,bromide, and iodide, benzyldimethylphenyl ammonium chloride, bromide,and iodide, dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride, bromide, and iodide,alkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, bromide, and iodide, and Xylyleneanalogs thereof, and (3) from about 1 to about 20 parts of an organiccompound having the formula: ##STR9## where, R₁ is hydrogen, a halogen,or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms and R₂ ishydrogen, halogen, or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 7 carbonatoms "wherein components (1), (2) and (3) act together to produce asynergistic effect".
 3. A composition in the form of an admixture ofsolid ingredients, said admixture comprising in relative proportion (1)from about 10 to about 150 parts paraformaldehyde, (2) from about 1 toabout 20 parts of a quaternary ammonium salt selected from the groupconsisting of benzalkonium chloride, bromide, and iodide, benzethoniumchloride, bromide, and iodide, alkylbenzyltrimethonium chloride,bromide, and iodide, alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride, bromide, andiodide, alkyldimethyl (dimethylbenzyl) ammonium chloride, bromide, andiodide, benzyldimethylphenyl ammonium chloride, bromide, and iodide,dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride, bromide, and iodide, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, bromide and iodide, and xylylene analogs thereof, and(3) from about 1 to about 20 parts of an organic compound having theformula: ##STR10## wherein, R₁ is hydrogen, a halogen, or an alkyl grouphaving from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms and R₂ is hydrogen, a halogen, oran alkyl group having from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms "wherein components(1), (2) and (3) act together to produce a synergistic effect".